Comparison of Plantar Pressure Distribution and Selected Muscles Activity of the Lower Limb between Viscous and Common Foam Shoes

The plantar pressure distribution should not cause any change in muscle activity. The aim of the present study was to compare plantar pressure distribution and electrical muscle activity during walking between viscous shoes and EVA shoes.

A total of 10 healthy male individuals were recruited in the current quasi experimental study. A special shoe with specific feature of liquid flow was made for this study, which could reduce pressure from damping mechanism. An EVA shoe was also used for comparison as reference shoe. Plantar pressure distribution was measured using Pedar insole system and muscle activity was measured using Myon EMG system. Data analysis was done using Pedar X and ProEMG softwares and in eight regions of foot.

It was found that special shoe with hydrodynamic mechanism could effectively reduce load in rear foot, forefoot, and toe regions but no significant differences were observed in muscle activity between shoes, except for gastrocnemius.

According to the results, damping effect of liquid shoe following impact force can effectively reduce the pressure and force in high risk regions of the foot.